INTERVIEW

June 2009

In this interview with Kidsreads.com's Sarah Rachel Egelman, Tina Wells compares herself to Zee, the 12-year-old main character of her new novel MACKENZIE BLUE, and explains why she chose to write this story for middle-grade readers. She also mentions some of her favorite books from childhood, stresses the importance of writing as a form of self-expression, and shares what we can look forward to in future installments of the series.

Kidsreads.com: Describe the character Mackenzie Blue Carmichael (“Zee”). What kind of girl is she, and what is she concerned about?

Tina Wells: Mackenzie is like any average 12-year-old girl. She is dealing with different issues like friendship, family, crushes, a new school, and how she feels about herself. Mackenzie wants to be friends with everyone, and always tries to do the right thing, even though she sometimes gets into trouble.

KRC: Were you like Zee as a girl? How much of Zee is you?

TW: We are similar. We both love to be friends with all types of people, and have different types of friends. Mackenzie always tries to do the right thing, as do I. Also, I was involved in many extracurricular activities during school, just like Zee is.

What inspired you to write a book for middle-grade readers? Why this particular age group?

TW: Tweens are more wired than we think. I have recently worked with PBS reviewing children who are about seven to eight years younger than tweens. As these children grow older, they’re going to be even more wired than today's tweens.

Zee is a very expressive girl: she is in constant communication with friends, writes in her diary every day and creates songs. This self-expression is both a source of conflict for her and a way to resolve the conflict. Was the theme of self-expression one you set out to explore, or did it evolve as you worked on the book?

TW: Having the diary play such a big role in Zee's everyday life shows the importance of writing. I don't want it to become a lost art. One of the core parts of Zee's character is self-expression, which is very important for tweens. What better way to express yourself than by writing?

Zee's signature phrase is “Ohmylanta!” Where does that come from?

TW: It is just something that I thought would be a quirky thing to say. Some of the most beloved and popular characters have a signature phrase. "Cool Beans" is another one of Zee's signature phrases.

Do you see this book as mostly just a good story, or are you hoping your readers come away with some specific ideas?

TW: I hope it is more than a good story. I want the reader to walk away with an understanding of how to treat others and how important relationships with friends and family are. I also want to give the reader a global perspective on being involved.

In the course of the story Zee deals with a variety of issues, but the meaning of friendship seems to be the biggest one. In your opinion, why do many girls in this age range have such a difficult time with friendship?

TW: Girls this age are dealing with a lot. Not only do they deal with issues like friendship, but they also are trying to define who they are, and it can become complicated.

How did your work in marketing and interest in pop culture and youth culture help shape your book?

TW: It helped me understand what is important to this demographic.

What is the writing process like for you?

TW: I always start by writing the characters first, and then I start writing the outline. It's all about the characters.

What are some of your favorite books? What did you enjoy reading at Zee's age?

TW: LITTLE WOMEN is one of my favorites, because I have three sisters and the Alcott family was much like my own. I also love the Aaron Marc Stein mystery novels. When I was around Zee’s age, I loved The Baby-sitters Club and Sweet Valley High books.

MACKENZIE BLUE is the first installment in a series. What else do you have planned for Zee? When can readers look forward to the sequel?

TW: In the upcoming sequels, Zee and her friends will go on many adventures. Those adventures range from a rock and roll musical to a camping trip. Readers can also look forward to Zee meeting new characters. The next book goes on sale in late December.

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